Man sues airline because he had to sit next to fat man

A lawyer has sued Emirates after he was seated next to an obese man in economy class.

Giorgio Destro, from Padua in Italy, said his journey was 'ruined' by his seat companion, who he claims made his trip from Cape Town to Dubai uncomfortable.

Italian newspaper Mattino Padova reported that despite being a 'gold member', he was not allowed to change seats as the flight was too busy, and he was allegedly not offered compensation or apology by the airline.

He is reportedly seeking £2,375 in damages for 'spillover' as the man's large stature encroached into his own seat space.

'For nine hours, I had to stand in the aisle, sit on seats reserved for the cabin crew when they were free, and in the final phase of flight resign myself to suffer the 'spillover' of the passenger at my side,' he told the newspaper.

He took a selfie as 'evidence' of the conditions he was sitting in, showing him on the left of the photo.

In total, Mr Destro wants €2,759.51 (£2,375.23) in compensation; €759.51 (£653.87) as a refund for the flight, and a further €2,000 (£1,721.81) in damages.